Process Engineer - Petrochemical

Placements24; Richards Bay; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Performance-based bonuses

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA is seeking a highly skilled Process Engineer to join on-site operations. The role focuses on optimizing and troubleshooting chemical processes for safe, efficient production while driving cost improvements and technology upgrades.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in chemical engineering, process simulation, and plant operations, with hands-on experience in a demanding industrial environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or closely related field.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to optimize complex processes.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills for cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and optimize existing chemical processes to improve yield and quality.
• Develop process designs for new plants or modifications to existing facilities.
• Conduct process simulations and modeling using industry-standard software.
• Troubleshoot upsets and implement corrective actions to minimize downtime.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations.
• Participate in PHA and HAZOP studies and support plant activities.

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or related field

Tools

Aspen HYSYS

ChemCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the petrochemical industry, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Process Engineer to join their operations based in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA. This is a critical on-site role responsible for optimizing and troubleshooting complex chemical processes to ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally compliant production. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in chemical engineering principles, process simulation, and plant operations. You will play a key role in improving process performance, reducing operating costs, and implementing new technologies. This position requires hands‑on involvement with plant operations and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality in a demanding industrial environment. We are looking for a dedicated professional who thrives in a plant setting and is passionate about chemical process optimization.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze and optimize existing chemical processes to improve yield, efficiency, and product quality.
• Develop process designs for new plants or modifications to existing facilities.
• Conduct process simulations and modeling using industry-standard software.
• Troubleshoot process upsets and implement corrective actions to minimize downtime.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant environmental, health, and safety regulations.
• Participate in Process Hazard Analyses (PHA) and HAZOP studies.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and project teams to support plant activities.
• Develop and update operating procedures and technical documentation.
• Monitor key process variables and performance indicators.
• Identify and evaluate opportunities for technology upgrades and process improvements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process engineering within the petrochemical or chemical manufacturing industry.
• Strong knowledge of chemical process principles, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics.
• Experience with process simulation software (e.g., Aspen HYSYS, ChemCAD).
• Familiarity with process safety management (PSM) and HAZOP methodologies.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a plant environment and collaborate with cross‑functional teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of process control systems and instrumentation is a plus.
• Registered Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) or eligibility for registration is advantageous.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, provident fund, and performance‑based bonuses.
• Employees will have the opportunity to work on challenging and impactful projects within a leading organization in the petrochemical sector.
• Continuous professional development and training opportunities are provided to foster career growth.
• The company is committed to employee well‑being and provides a safe and supportive work environment.
• You will be part of a highly skilled team contributing to critical industrial processes in Richards Bay, KwaZulu‑Natal, ZA.